A Study of Serum Beta 2-microglobulin (β2 M) and Lipid Bound Sialic Acid (Lsa) Levels in Oral Carcinoma Patients

Abstract Background: Oral cancer is a significant global health issue, and nearly one-third of cases are in India. The late-stage diagnosis common in India leads to poor survival outcomes, highlighting the need for early detection and effective biomarkers. Introduction: This study explored the potential of serum β2-microglobulin (β2 M) and lipid-bound sialic acid (LSA) as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for oral carcinoma, with a focus on the Indian population, where the disease burden is exceptionally high. Methodology: This case‒control study involved 200 participants (100 oral cancer patients and 100 healthy controls) aged > 20–60 years. Serum β2 M and LSA levels were measured using ELISA kits. All the statistical analyses, including ROC analysis and correlation studies, were performed using SPSS software to assess the diagnostic accuracy and clinical relevance of these biomarkers. Results: Serum β2 M and LSA levels were significantly greater in oral cancer patients than in controls, with β2 M showing near-perfect diagnostic accuracy (AUC 0.999) and LSA demonstrating excellent accuracy (AUC 0.945). Both biomarkers strongly correlated with advanced AJCC stages, underscoring their potential in assessing disease severity and aiding early detection. Conclusion: Serum β2 M and LSA levels are promising biomarkers for the diagnosis and assessment of oral carcinoma. Their incorporation into clinical practice could enhance early detection, prognosis, and treatment monitoring, ultimately improving patient outcomes. However, further research with larger cohorts is needed to validate these findings and explore their longitudinal applicability.